Leroy, 70, of Milliken passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on November 7th after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born in Questa, New Mexico in 1943. Leroy, along with his four sisters, three brothers, mother and father, moved to Milliken at the young age of 4, where the family farmed and raised milk cows. Leroy attended schools in the Milliken area, where he met and eventually married his childhood sweetheart, Hilda Martin del Campo on November 23, 1963 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Greeley.
Preceded in death by his son, Little Leroy, both his parents, E.M. and Mable Martinez and brother, Orlando Martinez. Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Hilda; three children, Lucy (Eddie) Cardona of Johnstown, Arnold (Susan) Martinez of Broomfield and Yvette Martinez of Denver; grandkids, Liz, Rylee, Morgan, Cory, Tyrone, Clayton, Breanna and Jacob and great-grandkids, Malaya, Ozhean, Gabriel, Treyson and Zayden.
Leroy traveled to various states for seven years, working in construction and operating heavy equipment. Once his children were school ages he got a stationary job as the Director of Public Works in Milliken for 30 years. He also served as a volunteer fireman and chief for 15 years. After retiring he worked various construction jobs and continued to assist the town with odds and ends. In 2001, he was the honored citizen in the Milliken Beef and Bean Parade, this past August he was honored as the Grand Marshal.
In his younger days, he enjoyed playing softball with his traveling team, the fireman races, truck pulling and riding his Harley. His favorite pastimes were hunting, camping and fishing. Leroy loved to entertain, always making sure everyone was fed. He was caring, loving, giving and compassionate. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2013 at Grace Community Church, Johnstown. Interment Johnstown Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Milliken Volunteer Fire Department in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.
Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign online guestbook.
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